US 3 1875 5¢ Franklin A3

U.S. #3 is a rare proliferation of America’s first stamp, U.S. #1. The stamps were readied in conjunction with the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia; then again, they were just sold at the Third’s workplace Assistant Postmaster General in Washington, D.C.

The first 5¢ Franklin was created by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson. Because of a request from the Post Office Department, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing created these copies in 1875. The ungummed stamps, which were the first by the BEP, were printed with new plates in sheets of 50 subjects. Not substantial for postage, just 4,779 U.S. #3 stamps were sold to general society.